First Look: 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

If you’re a Camaro fan you’re likely going to be pretty excited that Chevrolet unveiled the new track-day 1LE package for the sixth-generation Camaro at the Chicago Auto Show. And making it more momentous an occasion, the package isn’t just available on the SS.

The 1LE package started in 1989 on the Chevrolet Camaro as a special order, low production package that beefed up suspension, brakes and cooling for showroom stock racers and track-day enthusiasts. And over the years, it’s come back occasionally most recently on the last generation Camaro.

At the Chicago Auto Show, the new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 1LE package has been officially unveiled for the sixth-generation now available in two versions, one for the 455 horsepower V8 SS and now available on the 335 horsepower LT V6.

On both cars the package starts with the visuals that front and center start with a satin black hood and the availability of special colors. Aerodynamic adds include an aggressive front splitter and a three piece rear deck spoiler. The dual-mode exhaust system is also standard equipment on both.

Both the SS and the LT get their own unique grilles that are designed for increased cooling in addition to a meaner look. The SS has a few extras over the LT like satin black mirrors and its signature hood vents.

And when it comes to wheels, the LT gets 20-inch forged lightweight alloys with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires, 245 at the front and 275 at the rear. The SS gets its own 20 inch wheel design but wider with 285 front and 305 rear Goodyear Eagle F1’s.

Interiors on both get a nice thick suede steering wheel and a shorter throw six-speed manual shifter. That manual by the way is the only gearbox that comes here as it should be. Recaro seats are optional on the LT and standard on the SS. And on both you can option a PDR video and data recording system like that available in the Corvette.

Suspension is beefed up of course. The LT gets the FE3 suspension from the SS almost carryover which includes damper settings, stiffer rear cradle mounts, ball-jointed rear toe links and thicker anti-roll bars. A 3.27 geared limited-slip differential is standard.

One of the reasons Chevrolet says they are excited about the V6 1LE package is that all-in it weighs under 3,500 pounds, has excellent front-to-rear weight balance and can corner at .97G. They say it serves up lap times comparable to the last generation V8 model.

Stepping up to the SS 1LE gets you a new FE4 suspension which includes a specific tune for its adjustable Magnetic Ride dampers and an electronic limited slip differential turning 3.73 gears. You also get stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars front and rear.

All of this gets you a cornering capability of 1G so says Chevrolet. In fact, they say the new SS 1LE will lap the Big Willow course Willow Springs Raceway in California a full 3 seconds faster than the standard Camaro SS.

The new 2017 Camaro along with the 1LE packages arrive this summer and of course full pricing and performance specs will be announced at a later date.